If you think about it, the excellence of the Paramount belongs to a previous age --especially the sign, which is all we have to react to, and which was spruced up a few years ago. Should we give "Best New Development" to a refreshed paint job, particularly one that wasn't even done in 2009?

^ I used to live on Trowbridge Street; walking from the Square brought me through the bedraggled park that was bounded by the library and the two high schools. It was always a place to hurry through; no one could have enjoyed lingering in this place unless they were selling something. If the library has made the "park" a place to linger fondly, then I say bravo.

If you think about it, the excellence of the Paramount belongs to a previous age --especially the sign, which is all we have to react to, and which was spruced up a few years ago. Should we give "Best New Development" to a refreshed paint job, particularly one that wasn't even done in 2009?

Ames Hotel also leans on borrowed glory.

What does all this say about Boston's present-day glory?

No prize, I say.

Yes, god forbid we award well-done historic preservation/renovation.

Would you not have conferred an award on Faneuil Hall Marketplace back in the 70s for the same reason?

Much of Boston's history - beyond the colonial theme park monuments - are still in danger. The city seems to think its early 20th century past is not worth saving. There's still heroism in making the city proud of this recent heritage.

This is also an argument over whether a purely interior project should be eligible for our award. The Paramount fa?ade and sign were restored several years ago. The restored interior is reportedly wonderful, but so far this is just hearsay until more of us can get inside.

This is also an argument over whether a purely interior project should be eligible for our award. The Paramount fa?ade and sign were restored several years ago. The restored interior is reportedly wonderful, but so far this is just hearsay until more of us can get inside.

My understanding is that Paramount Center includes not just the Paramount Theater restoration and renovation, but the neighboring Arcade Building renovation and new mid-rise addition. It's actually a pretty substantial project.

Anyways, I dont think the Paramount is finished yet, so it wont be included this year.